noun
Street Slang
betsy
BET-see · noun · slang
A gun, esp. a favored pistol; also a fist.
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Definitions
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'Betsy' (or 'Old Betsy') is an affectionate nickname for a gun, treating a favored weapon as a companion; in some usage it also meant a fist.
“He patted his coat where Betsy sat snug in the holster.”
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betsy In A Sentence
He patted his coat where Betsy sat snug in the holster.
Origin & Usage
American slang; from the female name, a folk custom of naming firearms (cf. Davy Crockett's rifle 'Betsy').
Variants
old betsy
People Also Ask
What does 'Betsy' mean as slang?
Betsy, or 'Old Betsy,' is an affectionate nickname for a favored gun, and in some usage it also meant a fist.
Why name a gun 'Betsy'?
It reflects a folk custom of giving firearms a personal, companionable name. Davy Crockett famously called his rifle 'Betsy.'
Does 'Betsy' always mean a gun?
Usually, yes, but historically it could also refer to a fist used as a weapon, again treating it like a trusted old companion.
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